The maritime patrol aircraft is designed to perform a variety of tasks on both land and sea. Its mission capabilities include anti-surface unit warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), combat search-and-rescue (CSAR), maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), anti-piracy, monitoring of exclusive economic zones (EEZ), maritime counter terrorism (MCT), on-scene C4ISTAR, protection of national borders, and Special Forces support.

Cockpit and cabin of Swordfish maritime patrol aircraft

The Q400 configuration features glass cockpit with an integrated mission display and is equipped with an in-flight operable airdrop door. The Global 6000 is installed with Bombardier Vision Flightdeck.

The MPA is integrated with a fixed and rotary sonobuoy launch system, which has storage racks for sonobuoy stowage and dropping during anti-submarine warfare tasks.

Sensors and countermeasures

A high-definition electro-optical payload, integrated with laser sensor, is mounted under the nose to provide continuous surveillance, high-quality imagery and enhanced target detection.

A 360° active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-mode maritime radar located under the fuselage is intended for detection and tracking of small targets in high sea state conditions, ground-mapping imaging, as well as for auto tracking of multiple threats. Communication is provided by tactical data links and satellite communications (SATCOM).

Maritime patrol aircraft weaponry

The maritime patrol aircraft is equipped with up to four weapon hard points under the wings to carry anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and drop pods for search-and-rescue missions.

"The maritime patrol aircraft is equipped with up to four weapon hard points under the wings to carry anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and drop pods for search-and-rescue missions."

Global 6000 MPA engine propulsion

The Global 6000 MPA variant is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofan engines, which develop a thrust of 65.6kN each. The power for Q400 version comes from two PW150A turboprop engines, which generate a maximum take-off power of 5,071shp each.

Swordfish MPA performance

The Global 6000 configuration has a maximum cruise speed of 450kt and a long-range cruise speed of 360kt. It can fly up to a service ceiling of 11,277m and operate over a range of 4,400nm. Its take-off and landing distances are 1,974m and 813.8m respectively, and endurance is approximately 510 minutes when operating at an altitude of 1,524m.

The maximum and long-range cruise speeds of the Q400 turboprop variant are 329kt and 274kt, while the range is approximately 3,000nm. The Q400 aircraft has a take-off distance of 1,468m, a landing distance of 1,290m, a service ceiling of 7,620m, and a flight time of 450 minutes.